Kismet Rock Foundation

Kismet Rock Foundation is a nonprofit located within the Mount Washington Valley dedicated to offering economically under-served youth opportunities to discover their potential through rock climbing, within the context of a family-like atmosphere. For 23 years Kismet has developed and curated a climbing education curriculum and an environment that nourishes its student’s well-being. Kismet scholarships cover one week a summer for four summers, and students remain with the same group throughout that whole time. By expanding access to the outdoors and offering community and mentorship in a loving, caring way, Kismet consistently receives feedback such as, “Kismet taught me what being happy and feeling love is truly like." In collaboration with middle school guidance counselors, Kismet conducts thorough interviews with interested students to learn who each student is and determine who would benefit most from the program. Kismet accepts students from a broad range of ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, and gender identities. Kismet is committed to eliminating all barriers to participation for their students, therefore, the scholarship includes rock climbing instruction, housing, meals, transportation, daily activities, and any other individual needs. Kismet finds success in meeting the needs of its students by creating a loving community. The diverse makeup of the student body provides them with an extraordinary opportunity to develop friendships and learn from kids whose experiences are very different from their own. Additionally, many of the summer program interns and staff are graduates of the program, which provides students with role models they can closely relate to and creates space for honest empathy. Opportunity for individual growth and self-exploration takes place within Kismet’s rock climbing education. Climbing inherently teaches analytical and problem-solving skills, enhances physical strength and grace, encourages emotional regulation, and fosters a sense